This festival is performed in the holy month of Jyestha as per Hindu Almanac and the fete is completed coinciding with the star of Jyestha in the constellation. This festival is also called “Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam”.
“Abhidhyeyakam” means protective shield or armor (that which cannot be destructed). To fight against evil, the Lord emerged with this protective armor in this Kaliyuga. Since the special Abhishekam (celestial bath) is conducted to this special “Armour of God” this festival is also called Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam. As this festival takes place in the month of Jyestha it is also known as “ Jyesthabhishekam ”.
As per the temple legendary, this special Abhishekam is usually performed every year to protect the Utsava deities of Lord Malayappa Swamy and His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi from damage that might occur while conducting processions and Tirumanjanam (holy baths) all through the year during different festive occasions.
Meanwhile, the festival lasts for three days. Each day after the second bell, the Lord and His consorts are taken to the Kalyanotsava mandapam located in Sampangi Prakaram and Snapana Tirumanjanam is conducted amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras. Snapana Tirumanjanam involves performing a bath to the deities involving holy and consecrated water mixed with spices including turmeric, sandal paste, honey, milk and curd.
Later the Lord and His consorts are adorned in different attires (special Kavachams)on each of these days. On First Day Lord muses pilgrims in Vajrakavacham (armor studded with diamonds), while on the second day in Muthyala Kavcham (armor studded with pearls) and Svarna Kavacham (armor of gold) on the third day. This Svarna Kavacham remains adorned to the Lord and His consorts throughout the year and is only removed for Abhidhyeyaka Abhishekam in the year next.